The Washington Huskies took on UCLA at the Rose Bowl, looking to win on the road for the first time since October 4th against Maryland. The Dawgs continued to deal with injuries on offense and played without two key starters. Center Landen Hatchett and RT Drew Azzopardi watched the Huskies secure their second victory over the Bruins at the Rose Bowl in 30 years. WR Denzel Boston and RB Jonah Coleman continued to deal with injuries and saw limited action. With the offense struggling early in the game, the special teams unit stepped up and set the early tone.
Huskies’ defense and special teams lead the way early
The Dawgs’ offense was unable to move the ball past UCLA’s 40-yard line on its first two drives and had to punt. Washington’s special teams pinned the Bruins inside the 20 on back-to-back punts. After making a fourth-down stop on their first defensive possession, the Huskies forced a takeaway on their next drive. CB Rahshawn Clark punched the ball out, and CB Dylan Robinson recovered the fumble. The Husky offense went three-and-out after taking over at UCLA’s 20 and settled for a 38-yard field goal from Grady Gross. For the fourth consecutive road game, Washington was kept out of the end zone in the first quarter.
The Huskies continue to lean on defense and special teams in the second quarter
The Dawgs’ offense scored its only first-half touchdown drive early in the second quarter. Demond Williams Jr. scored on a 25-yard TD run that increased the Huskies’ lead to 10-0. With the offense struggling, the defense and special teams played disciplined football. The Bruins’ offense was just one of eight on third down and had just 101 yards of total offense. The Husky defense forced another fumble, which led to a Huskies’ field goal. The Dawgs’ special teams also capitalized on a botched fake field goal by UCLA. Safety Alex McLaughlin scooped up a fumbled pitch from UCLA’s field goal holder and ran 59 yards for a touchdown. The Huskies rode their defense and special teams to a 20-0 lead over the Bruins at the half.
Washington’s offense finds its footing in the second half
After the halftime break, a rejuvenated Husky offense found its rhythm and scored on its first two drives of the second half. Williams scored both touchdowns, one rushing and one passing. His 11-yard touchdown run capped a six-play, 55-yard drive on the Huskies’ first second-half possession. Williams later found WR Dezmen Roebuck for an 18-yard TD pass on the next drive. The Huskies clearly figured out UCLA’s secondary at halftime and adjusted their passing game. Williams was 8/15 for 55 yards, had no passing touchdowns, and threw an interception in the first half. In the third quarter, he was 6/8, for 121 yards, had one passing touchdown, and no picks.
Dawgs’ defense dominant against UCLA
Washington’s defense did not allow a touchdown until late in the third quarter. They were effective at limiting the Bruins’ offense on long, sustained drives. UCLA was 2/13 on third down for the game. Despite playing without CB Tacario Davis, the Huskies’ secondary played effective pass defense, allowing just 150 passing yards. For the fourth consecutive game, they held an opponent under 200 yards passing. Washington’s run defense was also impressive, giving up just 2.6 yards per carry. The Dawgs rode their defense to a 48-14 win.
Huskies’ balanced attack helps keep UCLA on its toes
The Dawgs also ran the ball effectively throughout the game, which allowed them to diversify their play-calling. When RB Adam Mohammed ran the ball, he powered his way through the Bruins’ defenders for 108 yards on 21 carries. RB Jordan Washington put his speed on display, running for 33 yards on four carries. Despite limited participation, Coleman found the end zone in the fourth quarter for his 14th rushing touchdown of the year. Washington’s inside and outside zone run game amassed 147 yards.
The Huskies’ special teams have a strong performance, with one lone blemish
Grady Gross made each of his two field goals, one from 36 yards away, the other from 22 yards out. Punter Luke Dunne effectively pinned the Bruins inside the 20 on his two punts. The special teams also had a scoop-and-score on a botched fake field goal in the first half by UCLA. Washington’s only mistake in special teams came in the punt return game. Although Dezmen Roebuck had a great game offensively, he fumbled on punt return in the fourth quarter, which the Bruins recovered for a touchdown.
Huskies’ receivers step up in Denzel Boston’s absence
WR Denzel Boston played limited snaps in the red zone in Saturday’s game. Washington had several receivers step up while he rested for most of the game. WR Dezmen Roebuck led all Huskies receivers with 96 yards receiving on seven catches, one of which was for a touchdown. TE Decker Degraaf had three catches for 46 yards receiving and had a touchdown catch in the fourth quarter. WR Omari Evans also had four catches for 27 yards. Freshman WR Chris Lawson made a splash as well, with two catches for 39 yards.
Demond Williams has a solid road performance
Demond Williams had five turnovers in his last two road games; on Saturday, his only turnover was a second-quarter pick. Williams finished with four total touchdowns, two passing and two rushing. He was 17/26 passing, threw for 213 yards, and ran for 56 yards on six carries. The Huskies will need Williams to play at his best next week when they take on Oregon at Husky Stadium.
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